The Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, takes note of the 30 October 2024 decision by a court in Paris, France to sentence former Rwandan doctor Eugène Rwamucyo to 27 years in prison for his involvement in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. While noting that the accused was acquitted of certain charges and continues to deny any wrongdoing, Special Adviser Wairimu Nderitu welcomes the conviction issued by the court for complicity in the commission of genocide and crimes against humanity, and for conspiring in the preparation to commit such crimes.

“As we continue commemorating the 30th anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, we cannot lose sight of the importance of accountability in breaking the cycle of impunity and recurrence. Honouring the victims means actively working for justice for the crimes committed against them, as well as reinforcing all possible efforts to preventing their recurrence. Criminal accountability serves both purposes and must not become an afterthought. When the consequences of the criminal acts of the past continue to bring suffering in the present, bringing justice to them will continue being essential in building a better future,” said the Special Adviser.

At the same time, the Special Adviser lamented that, despite over 1,000 indictments and international arrest warrants issued in 33 countries, many perpetrators of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi remain at large. “This level of impunity, which is unacceptable, more than thirty years after the commission of the crimes, undermines the values of justice and accountability and must be addressed as a matter of urgency,” emphasized the Special Adviser. “Again, not only to bring justice to the victims, but also to build the foundations of a future without recurrence. Those who thirty years ago met their darkest spirits and allegedly committed the gravest of crimes, must now meet their day in court without any further delay.”

Special Adviser Wairimu Nderitu reiterated that the task of holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes must be prioritized by all those in a position to advance this urgent cause. “I urge all parties with a responsibility to advance the cause of justice, especially justice for genocide, the gravest of crimes, to join hands in this endeavour. In particular, I exhort Member States hosting individuals accused of genocide and related s crimes to fully cooperate with the UN International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT), which continues playing a crucial role in supporting justice for the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi,” recalled the Special Adviser. “The IRMCT itself is providing critical assistance to national jurisdictions in bringing perpetrators to justice and must continue to be supported. Yet, the best form of support needs to come from Member States where alleged genocidaires reside and starts by negating them impunity for the serious accusations against them.”

Special Adviser Wairimu Nderitu also emphasized the importance of steps such as the one taken by the Paris court in the case of Eugène Rwamucyo as instrumental to building a culture of accountability, which transcends each specific case and positively affects the whole of society.

“Fair, impartial and independent justice remains an essential component of a full democratic society, where human rights are protected and promoted, and where impunity is not tolerated. All societies deserve this, and all those in position to make a difference in the pursuit of justice must accelerate all possible efforts to achieve this goal without further delays,” concluded the Special Adviser.